Find ‘La Dolce Vita’ in Lesser-Known Italy

Pitigliano

Spend a few days in Rome, Florence, or Venice this summer, and you'll find you're not alone—the busy summer season brings hordes of tourists to these popular destinations in pursuit of great art, the perfect pizza, and (of course) cool, sweet gelato. If you turn away from the well-trod path, however, you may find even more enjoyable locales in this veritable treasure trove of a country. Leave the most famous attractions behind, and check out these lesser-known places—you may find you'll have Italy all to yourself.

The Maremma area in southwestern Tuscany sees many fewer visitors than the region's centrally located towns. Pitigliano, pictured here, is a chronicle in stone—situated more than 1,000 feet above sea level, the town features well-preserved Etruscan artifacts, quiet shops and restaurants, and historic monuments exhibiting its Jewish roots. (Prior to World War II, Pitigliano was known as "Little Jerusalem" for its then-thriving Jewish population.) Beyond Pitigliano, the Maremma is known for its nature preserves, vineyards (particularly Sassicaia varietals), and even butteri, the Italian version of cowboys. To start your trip planning, check out the Maremma Tourism Agency website.

(Photo: iStockphoto.com)

Bologna

Eating and sightseeing on foot are two of Bologna's greatest pleasures. Known for its outstanding cuisine and historic architecture, Bologna (about 90 miles south of Venice in the Emilia-Romagna region) has impressive piazzas, two leaning towers, and food, food, food. Many consider Bologna to be the culinary capital of Italy—and that's saying something. The mortadella, tagliatelle, and torta secca here will make your taste buds sing and your knees buckle. (And if you don't know the foods I just named, you'd better plan a visit.) The city is also home to the oldest university in Europe, the 900-year-old University of Bologna. Check out all the city has to offer on HelloBologna.it/en.

(Photo: iStockphoto.com)

Parma

Any foodie worth his salt (or cheese) would do well to stop in Parma, a gastronomic capital between the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions, 75 miles south of Milan. Beyond its namesake Parmesan cheese, wine, and other culinary delights, music is a main attraction, particularly opera. An evening at the Teatro Regio (site in Italian) could feature an opera, a ballet, or even a rock star (Earth, Wind, and Fire; and Chaka Khan are just two acts scheduled for this summer). The Parma Tourism website is a good place to start your trip research.

(Photo: iStockphoto.com)

Piedmont

The hills of the Langhe, in northern Italy's Piedmont region, cradle a bounty of vineyards (namely for Asti Spumanti, Barbaresco, and Barolo wines), that produce vintages you can savor over a leisurely visit. Stick to the countryside for a quieter getaway, or head to Torino, which has enjoyed increased popularity since the 2006 Winter Olympics. And being surrounded by the Alps means the Piedmont's views and backdrops are sure to please. Frommer's recommends renting a car to fully experience the Piedmont's charming villages and oenophilic pleasures, and TurismoTorino offers good resources on planning a trip to the greater Piedmont region.

(Photo: iStockphoto.com)

Puglia

Many Americans never venture to the heel of Italy's boot, also known as the Puglia region. Pity—here you'll find splendid coastlines along the Adriatic Sea, baroque and medieval towns with lively communities, and ancient cathedrals and castles. Bari, pictured here, is a port city known for its authentic Old Town, fresh seafood (often straight off the boat), and its historic Basilica of St. Nicholas. Check some of the suggested itineraries on Puglia Turismo.com to put together your own getaway.

(Photo: ENIT)

Paestum

Indulge your inner archaeologist with a visit to Paestum—you may feel like you're in ancient Greece, with its 3,000-year-old temples dedicated to Hera and Athena (pictured). Returning to its Italian roots, there also are plenty of Roman ruins here, from a forum and amphitheater to painted coffins. The nearby National Archaeological Museum will give you greater context for the ruins as well. About 60 miles south of Naples, Paestum is a worthwhile excursion in the Campania region, even if only for a day trip—and it's a pretty drive along the Amalfi Coast to get here, too. About.com has a good guide to help plan your Paestum visit.

(Photo: ENIT)

Verona

It inspired Shakespeare, and may have the same effect on you: Verona, also known as Romeo and Juliet's stomping grounds, has many hidden secrets along its winding streets. Situated 70 miles west of Venice in the Veneto region, Verona also features an ancient Roman amphitheater (the best preserved in the world), olive groves and castles along Lake Garda, and arts and culture galore. It may be hard to choose just what to do during your visit. To help narrow your choices, visit the official Verona tourism website.

(Photo: ENIT)

Umbria

Even though Umbria has been gaining popularity in recent years, it still offers a more off-the-beaten-path alternative to neighboring Tuscany. Spello, pictured above, hosts the annual "Spello Inforiata" each spring, where artists use flowers to create elegant tapestry-style works of art that carpet the city's streets. Other towns throughout the region are hot spots for cultural endeavors. If you're an art, music, theater, or food lover, you may want to spend a day or two in Spoleto, Perugia, and Panicale. And if you're religious and don't mind battling tourist crowds, Assisi (home of St. Francis) may be a worthy pilgrimage. For more resources, visit the Italian Tourist Board's Umbria site.

(Photo: ENIT)

Rome

You could spend a lifetime in Rome and not see everything in this labyrinthine, wondrous city. For example, did you know about Rome's National Museum of Pasta, dedicated to the highest form of starch? Located in the Piazza Scanderberg, not too far from the Trevi Fountain, the museum showcases how pasta is made, different varieties, history, cooking techniques, and recipes. The museum is open from 9:30 to 5:30 every day; admission is €10 for adults (about $15; see XE.com for current exchange rates).

(Photo: iStockphoto.com)

Venice

Visit St. Mark's Plaza and you'll have to fight your way through the masses, elbow to elbow among the other tourists wanting to see this famous square and church. But wander away, however, and you'll find the unexpected—a peaceful, uncrowded Venice, where you may be able to hear your feet echo against the stony streets and the quiet lapping of the canals. The Dorsoduro neighborhood offers all the pleasures of Venice without the congestion—cozy restaurants, artist galleries, and lovely churches, including the Santa Maria Delle Salute. For more information, TravelSignposts.com offers a good primer on this unique Venetian neighborhood.

(Photo: ENIT)